Sofiero Castle: From royal summer palace to people’s favourite garden

Sofiero Castle in Helsingborg is visited by thousands every year and is well-known for its amazing garden, fantastic rhododendron collection, popular concerts and exhibitions during the summer season.

In 1866, the Swedish Crown Prince Oscar II and his wife Sofia of Nassau acquired the land and commissioned the building of their summer palace. They loved spending time here and it was later passed on as a wedding gift to their grandson, Crown Prince Gustav VI Adolf and his first wife Crown Princess Margaret. This royal couple had a keen interest in gardening and together they created a stunning garden with extensive flowerbeds, greenhouses, and pathways. In 1973, the castle was given by King Gustav VI Adolf to the city of Helsingborg who has preserved the heritage and made it into today’s award-winning garden.

Photo: Sophie Håkansson

This summer, Sofiero is re-opening the castle to the public after a year of renovations. “We are thrilled to open the doors to the castle again, Sofiero will now be complete and with exciting new exhibitions,” says Caroline Lundholm, director at Sofiero. The new permanent exhibition is called The story of Sofiero – from royal park to a garden for the people. It will be an exciting journey through time; a pleasurable, detailed and fairy tale shimmering exhibition on the newly renovated castle’s middle floor. You get to peek behind the scenes of the life lived here. What did the royals and their servants actually do during the day? And what was it like to live in this place that today is Helsingborg’s favourite garden and a popular destination for tourists from near and far?

A big celebration will be taking place 5-7 June, to mark the re-opening of the castle. This will also be the premiere of the seasonal exhibition Astrid Lindgren – the landscape of imagination, which will be running as a theme both in the castle and in the park.

Whether you are interested in gardening, growing your own vegetables or just like to enjoy a glorious colourful garden, Sofiero has something for everyone. In June, you can celebrate Midsummer here, there is a classic car event taking place, music concerts you don’t want to miss, and so much more happening throughout the summer. Also, the park is great for families with children, the large lawns invite you to play, the ravines are like their own little fairy tale world, and there is a fantastic playground.

It will be a great summer at the people’s garden Sofiero.

Photo: Mattias Berglund

Web : www.sofiero.se
Instagram: @sofieroslott